"Perfect timing, Henrietta. How about working the lungs for us? I want Beth to open the chest and cross-clamp the aorta," Steven asked her to perform the complicated procedure.
"Fine." With reluctance, she picked up a device to force air into the cadaver lungs.
Elizabeth completed a perfect demonstration of her skills, and no one was the wiser that her shoulder burned. After she removed her gown and gloves, Steven Keys hugged her. "Proud of you."
"You must be relieved, Beth," Henrietta said. "The administration almost terminated you. Suicide attempt and all. But your boyfriend's boss threatened a big lawsuit. He has more clout than your daddy."
Steven Keys’ expression turned dark. "Henrietta!"
Elizabeth had been told the entire story. Ian's attorney did nothing more than remind hospital legal of the negative publicity the facility would receive in light of the truth.
The glee in Henrietta's tone took her by surprise. Elizabeth's breathing increased, looking between Steven, Melanie, and Henrietta, but she didn't stop.
"You were all over the TV. Patients won't want a crazy doctor taking care of them," Henrietta said.
Elizabeth ran. She heard Steven yell before the door slammed behind her, "Henrietta, if I have any say, you are done.
Elizabeth was sitting on the bench in the surgeon's changing room when Steven found her. "Does everyone think the way Henrietta does?"
Steven Keys wrapped his arms around her. "No one feels that way."
"It's true, everything she said." Elizabeth held her head between her hands. Steven relaxed his arm.
Martin swept around her, mouthingwhat's wrong?“Sunshine."
"I understand my father lied, but what people see on TV, they believe. Henrietta is right."
"The people who love you know the truth." Martin's lips pressed to the crown of her head.
"What if it’s not enough?" she whimpered.
Unaware of what happened, he hugged her and said, "Sunshine, you need to believe. Where's my girl with the steel backbone?"
Elizabeth rubbed her tear-stained cheek against Martin's arm. Steven and Patrick stood against the lockers while Joyce sat on the other side of her. The sounds of the HVAC system cycled on and off.
Elizabeth nodded. "There isn't much choice." She grew determined. "I want to visit Lola now."
Chapter Twenty-Six
Elizabeth and Martin took every minute of their time together to reacquaint themselves during the two weeks post-discharge. The two relaxed curled up in bed, naked, illuminated by the moon sneaking in between the slats of the blinds. Her finger traced the scar cutting across his chest. "What happened?"
"Al Nasiriya—a couple hundred miles southeast of Bagdad. Under a CO with little combat experience, during a sandstorm, he missed a turn and led an Army convoy into an ambush. My team was sent in to try to bring the thirty-five out. The fighting was fierce, and eleven were lost that day. The Iraqis are scrappy with years of fighting experience. Our job was to scout the way out for the tanks. On the way, we found three troops beside a burned-out vehicle. Two were gone, and this one kid was holding on."
He shook his head. "Poor kid was calling for his momma. We slowed the bleeding, and I tossed him over my shoulder to carry him to safety. A rocket-propelled grenade exploded thirty feet in front of us. Shrapnel penetrated my armor and hit me in the chest. Tate picked up the kid, and Ian and Julian rushed me to a Humvee to wait for an airlift. With the storm continuing, no air support was coming, and the battle gave us nowhere to go. The kid died in Zach's arms. Julian is trained as a special operations combat medic. By the third hour, I couldn't breathe. The last thing I remember was Julian holding this big needle in his hand, about to plunge it into my chest, telling me to think of something to live for. I dreamed of you, Sunshine."
"I need to thank Julian." Elizabeth turned misty-eyed.
He held her against him. "Were you there when Joyce got her nickname?"
"I wish, but she told me about it. She was attending a pediatric surgery convention. Joyce works hard, but when she can let loose, she does. A group went to this karaoke bar. Lots of alcohol. Surgeons are super competitive, and it devolved to guys versus girls. It came down to the last song. Joyce put her hair into two ponytails and stripped down to her bra. Fergie's song 'London Bridge' started to play. Instead of Fergie-Ferg, she became Joycey-Joyce.” The story made her giggle.
Martin laughed. "Oh, please, can I tell Patrick?"
Shaking with laughter, Elizabeth said, "I know nothing, Mr. Bailey. I have a head injury."
Lola's condition was improving. If she continued to breathe without extra support and gained another pound, she could go home. At Joyce's recommendation, Elizabeth and Martin started to introduce oral feedings. Janey unselfishly donated some of her breast milk.
"That's my angel. This is good?" Martin asked.
